Singapore’s Top 5 Property Investment Hotspots for 2024
As one of the world's leading financial centers, Singapore has always been a popular destination for property investment. With a...
Read More
TLDR
When considering buying a landed property in Singapore, you have options like terrace homes, semi-detached houses, and bungalows. Understanding the different types and their unique characteristics is essential before making a purchase. Prices vary significantly, with terrace homes starting around $4 million, semi-detached houses over $5 million, and bungalows around $11 million. Factors like location within Singapore can also impact pricing. Financing options include using CPF savings or getting a bank loan. Ensure you understand the rules and financial implications before proceeding. Title checks are crucial for landed property purchases to avoid legal issues or boundary disputes. Consider seeking professional advice to navigate the process smoothly.
In Singapore, purchasing an HDB flat or condo is a common experience. However, buying a landed property is less familiar territory for many of us. This is unsurprising since only a small fraction, around 5%, of Singaporean households live in such properties.
So, for those lucky enough to be considering a purchase of this sort, or simply curious about what it entails, here’s a straightforward and comprehensive guide to owning a piece of landed property in the Lion City.
In Singapore, you’ll find three primary kinds of property with their own patch of land. These include terrace homes, semi-detached houses, and bungalows.
In the words of URA, a terrace house is essentially one that owns its own plot of land and is part of a continuous row of at least three homes. These homes are unified by shared walls. The corner terrace houses, the two end ones, usually gain more interest as they often come with more land.
On the other hand, a semi-detached house is essentially one half of a pair of houses. Each with its own land title, these houses are linked by a shared wall on one side. They’re typically connected side-by-side but can also be back-to-back.
A bungalow, in contrast, is an unattached house possessing its own land title. It doesn’t share walls with any other property and is encompassed by open land.
It’s important to note that all these kinds of landed properties can possess strata titles.
A good class bungalow, also known as a GCB, isn’t just your ordinary bungalow. There are some special traits that set it apart:
Firstly, a GCB has to be within one of the 39 areas earmarked by URA for GCBs.
Secondly, its land should measure at least 1,400 square meters, which roughly equates to about 15,069 square feet.
Thirdly, it shouldn’t tower more than two floors, although an attic and basement don’t count in this rule.
Lastly, a good chunk of the land, about 60%, should be dedicated to plants, trees, and other elements of landscaping.
What’s the Price Tag for a Landed House in Singapore?
Data from URA, responsible for tracking private residential property figures, shows that the price index for landed houses stood at 231.2 in the second quarter of 2023. This was a slight rise from the first quarter’s figure of 228.7, which itself had seen a 5.9% jump from the last quarter of 2022. Interestingly, this is the highest among all private residential categories, with condos included.
From January to August 2023, more than 730 resold landed homes changed hands, as recorded by URA’s Private Residential Property Transactions. For our study, we focused on resale properties, which form the majority of landed house sales. We didn’t consider fresh sales or sub-sales, or landed properties with strata titles.
It’s important to mention that purchasing a landed house isn’t pocket change for most folks. The availability of these types of properties is rather scarce too. You’d typically have to shell out close to $4 million for a terrace home, over $5 million for a semi-detached, and around $11 million for a bungalow.
Where you choose to live definitely counts. In Singapore, if you’re looking for the most cost-effective place to purchase a house with its own land, then the Outside Central Region (OCR) is your best bet. On the flip side, if money’s no object, the Core Central Region (CCR) is known for its high-end prices. It’s also where you’ll find the Good Class Bungalows (GCBs). These aren’t just any homes – they’re owned by some of the richest people in the country.
In Singapore, buying land isn’t easy for everyone. The rules say that if you’re not from Singapore, you have to ask for permission first. This applies to people who are not Singapore citizens, companies, partnerships, or societies. Even if you live in Singapore permanently, you still have to ask.
The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) is the one who says yes or no. They look at things like how long you’ve lived in Singapore, and what you bring to the country’s economy. Even your job and how much you pay in taxes matter. But remember, even if you want to buy land in Sentosa Cove, you still need to ask SLA first.
You Can Use CPF And/ Or A Bank Loan
When buying a private home or landed property, you have two financial options. You can use your CPF savings and/or get a bank loan to help you pay for it.
If you decide to use your CPF savings to buy a home, there are certain rules you need to follow. The property needs to have more than 20 years left on its lease. How much CPF you can use is based on the age of the youngest owner and the remaining years on the lease. To use the most money from your CPF, the length of the lease needs to last until the youngest owner turns 95.
The most CPF you can use to buy a private home (including landed property) depends on two things. First, the purchase price of the property or its value at the time you buy it, whichever is less. Second, whether you’ve reached the Basic Retirement Sum (BRS). If you haven’t met the BRS, you can use up to the lower of the purchase price or the valuation price. If you’ve met the BRS, you can use an extra 20% of the lower of the purchase price or the valuation price.
If you decide to get a bank loan, the rules for how much you can borrow are the same as for any private property purchase. If you don’t have any other loans, you can borrow up to 75% of the purchase price. But you also need to make a cash down payment of at least 5%. In addition, all your debts, including the housing loan, can’t be more than 60% of your monthly income before taxes.
Just like other property buyers, if you’re buying a landed property, you’ll have to pay buyer’s stamp duty, additional buyer’s stamp duty, and seller’s stamp duty.
Title Checks: Essential When Purchasing Landed Property
Unlike purchasing apartments or condos, owning a house with its own piece of land adds another layer to the decision-making process.
The land your potential home sits on might come with special agreements or rules that limit how it can be used. Think of it like this: if your plot of land is the only way to get to another house, there’s a good chance that there’s an agreement in place allowing the other homeowner to use part of your land for access. This means you can’t just build anywhere on your land without considering these agreements.
Knowing the exact boundaries of your land is also super important to avoid stepping on someone else’s property or government-owned land. There was even a situation where a couple unknowingly encroached on government land for nearly 15 years!
Though most houses with their own land don’t come with such special agreements or rules, it’s a good idea to have a lawyer check everything out for you and point out any potential problems.
You don’t have to officially register a warning or claim for a plot of land.
According to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), when someone wants to buy a property in Singapore, they can file a document called a caveat. This document is registered with the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and it shows that the buyer has a legal interest in the property. Usually, this happens after the buyer has decided to buy the property or signed a sales and purchase agreement.
Not everyone decides to file a caveat with the SLA. Because of this, some property sales might not be recorded by the URA’s Private Residential Property Transactions. These sales won’t be known to the public. But, it’s a good idea for buyers to file a caveat. It helps protect their rights. If more than one person claims to own the same property, the person who filed their caveat first is considered the rightful owner. Usually, the buyer’s lawyer will file the caveat as part of the process of transferring the property from the seller to the buyer.
Should You Buy, Sell or Wait?
If you’re reading this, you must be trying to figure out the best course of action right now: is it the right time to buy or sell?
It’s difficult to give an exact answer since everyone’s situation is unique and what works for one person may not necessarily work for you.
I can bring you a wealth of on-the-ground experience and a data-driven approach to provide clarity and direction. From beginners to experienced investors, our top-down, objective approach will help you on your real estate journey.
I can help you by:
- Offering Strategic Real Estate Advice – I can help create a comprehensive plan to guide you through your property journey.
- Connecting Your Home with the Perfect Buyers – Through stunning visuals, an effective communication strategy, and an in-depth knowledge of the market, we’ll ensure your home is presented in the best possible way to fulfill your goals.
You May Also Like …
How Much You Need to Earn to Afford a Condo 2023
TLDR When considering investing in a private property in Singapore, it's important to understand your borrowing capacity. Financial experts recommend...
Read More
Punggol Northshore HDB Flats Reaching MOP: Navigating the Resale Window
TLDR In 2025, around 1,765 HDB flats from Northshore Residences I & II and Northshore StraitsView in Punggol’s Northshore will...
Read More
Beyond Marina Bay Sands: Uncovering Singapore’s 5 Little-Known Secrets
Beyond Marina Bay Sands: Uncovering Singapore's 5 Little-Known Secrets Singapore is a small country with a rich history and culture....
Read More
Top 5 Factors Should Be Taken Into Consideration When Choosing The Right Neighborhood To Invest In Singapore’s Real Estate Market
Singapore's real estate market is known for its stability and potential for growth, making it an attractive investment destination for...
Read More
Find Your Dream Home: Top 5 Property Investments for Families in Singapore
As one of the most prosperous countries in the world, Singapore is an attractive destination for families looking to invest...
Read More
Tips for Choosing the Home of Your Dreams
TLDR Decoding the Singapore property market can be challenging, but understanding key factors like property size, location, and lease tenure...
Read More
6 Essential Factors HDB Upgraders Should Be Aware Of Before Purchasing a Condo in 2023
TLDR When upgrading your property, consider factors like rental rates, Buyer's Stamp Duty adjustments, higher interest rates for bank loans,...
Read More
Top 5 : What Are The Key Factors That Drive Foreign Investment In Singapore’s Real Estate Market
Singapore, a thriving city-state in Southeast Asia, has become a magnet for foreign investors looking to capitalize on its booming...
Read More
How Will Singapore’s Development Influence The Real Estate Markets In Bedok, Changi, Pasir Ris, And Tampines : 2023
TLDR You will find detailed insights into upcoming housing developments in the East of Singapore, specifically in areas like Bayshore,...
Read More
Top 5 Factors : Singapore Real Estate Investing vs Stocks and Bonds: Which is Better?
Investing is an essential aspect of wealth creation and financial planning. With a plethora of investment options available, it can...
Read More
Singapore’s Real Estate Market: Disproving 5 Common Misconceptions
Singapore's real estate market is a complex and dynamic market that can be difficult to navigate for new investors. With...
Read More
Top 5 Factors : Why Investing In A Property With A Good View Can Be A Profitable Move In Singapore
Investing in a property with a good view in Singapore can be a profitable move for several reasons. Here are...
Read More
Navigating the Singapore Property Market as a Foreign Investor: What You Need to Know
Singapore, a thriving hub of business and commerce in Southeast Asia, boasts a highly developed economy and a robust real...
Read More
Top 5 Tips : How to Choose the Best Property Agent in Singapore – Insider Tips and Strategies!
Choosing the right property agent in Singapore can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. A...
Read More
The Future Of Singapore Property Investing: 5 Trends To Watch Out For
The future of Singapore's property market is shaped by several emerging trends that reflect cautious optimism, enviable locations, and sociable...
Read More
The Hidden Worth of Singapore’s Far-Flung HDBs
TLDR Location is important in Singapore’s property market, but “ulu” (remote) HDB flats in areas like Woodlands, Choa Chu Kang,...
Read More
5 Factors Affecting A Property’s Resale Value
The real estate market is a complex and ever-changing landscape, with various factors influencing the value of a property. When...
Read More
5 Key Factors that Affect Singapore’s Property Prices
Singapore, a thriving city-state known for its impressive skyline and robust economy, has one of the most dynamic and competitive...
Read More
Strategies for Overcoming ABSD and Acquiring Multiple Properties in 2023 (Revised)
TLDR When it comes to navigating the Additional Buyers Stamp Duty (ABSD) in Singapore, there are legal strategies available to...
Read More
